JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

Success in community conservation partnership initiatives on public conservation land : a case study of a successful West Coast community-based conservation trust : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Environmental Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

View/Open Full Text

Abstract

The New Zealand Department of Conservation administers 8.5 million hectares of public
conservation land and is focused on growing conservation by increasing partnerships with
the community.
Limited research exists on the Department’s engagement with the community and, more
specifically, on what enables successful conservation partnerships. This research aims to
change that and provide a greater understanding of the characteristics underpinning
success in conservation partnerships on public conservation land. By identifying these
characteristics favourable conditions for success can be established increasing the likelihood
of success. Success is defined as achieving predetermined conservation outcomes.
The characteristics found to underpin success were: early engagement with the local
community; the Department having the flexibility, expertise, and capacity to assist the
community group; the preconditions identified by Plummer and FizGibbon (2004a); building
capacity within the community group; strong trusting relationships; and open
communication.
The challenge for the Department is to develop these underpinning characteristics when the
Department is not integrated into the community and where there is resistance from the
community.